May 22, 2014

2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Day 34

A resumption of action on Day 34 after a short break.

And here we go into some craziness.

Game 2: Los Angeles vs. Chicago.

Five goals in the third period.

That's what this game comes down to.  The second period ended with Chicago leading 2-1.  And then the Kings exploded in the third, putting up four on Crawford and an empty-netter to complete Jeff Carter's hat trick.

How does something like this happen?

Honestly, i have no clue.

Maybe part of it has to do with Crawford, who does seem prone to these sorts of breakdowns.  Or maybe it was the defense not being in the right position to stop some of these shots before they even got to the goaltender.

In any case, the result is this: a series that should have been 2-0 with Chicago in control is now 1-1 and it looks like it could go seven when it probably should have ended in five.

It's a huge turning point.  I just hope that Chicago can come back and acquit themselves better in Game 3, from beginning to end.

It's surprising to me that such an offensively limited team like the Kings can all of a sudden catch fire and put up such a large number.  Perhaps the most surprising part of it is that Kopitar wasn't involved in the scoring and Marian Gaborik had one assist and no goals.

If they're not leading the charge and Chicago is getting hammered, oh, boy, could that be problematic.

But then again, if Crawford returns to the form he's been showing lately, such an outburst likely won't be seen again and Chicago will move on comfortably.

Nah, it'll probably go to seven.

The series is tied 1-1.  Game 3 is Saturday.

Later today, Game 3 in NYC.  The Rangers are shooting for a commanding 3-0 lead.

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